Snow no

Why Is This Ski Season Such a Mess?

Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, and Summit at Snoqualmie have all had a bad winter season, with Vail Resorts coming under fire for mismanagement.

01/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

The Strange Twin Museums of the Columbia Gorge

A deep dive into twin interpretive centers near this popular Seattle road trip destination. Each museum offers its own blend of local and natural history.

01/14/2022 By Allison Williams

Sky Lights

What I Found Chasing the Northern Lights

Tourists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond flock to Northern Canada to chase the aurora borealis–but nature offers no guarantees.

01/11/2022 By Allison Williams

Planner

Things to Do in Washington in January

A folk festival in Bellingham, ice sculptures at Lake Chelan Winterfest, and birdwatching with an expert on Marrowstone Island.

01/07/2022 By Allison Williams

Highway Help

How to Track Highway and Pass Closures in Washington

When it snows in the Cascades, here's how to find road closure info, pass reports, and traffic cameras for winter driving.

01/06/2022 By Jack Russillo

White out

What to Do When It Snows in Seattle

Suit up, leave the car, and grab the sled. Here are our best tips for the rare city blizzard in 2021.

12/24/2021 By Allison Williams

Seasonal Send-offs

Winter Weekend Travel Ideas in the Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest travel ideas worth the search: truffles, snowbound mountain huts, and Kurt Cobain's favorite spot in Aberdeen.

12/17/2021 By Allison Williams

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Sports, Travel, and Recreation

Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Rick Steves are among the athletes, adventure-seekers, and transit buffs who guide the way we move.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy and Allison Williams

Short Stops

A Cozy Cidery Opens near Mount Rainier

At Mill Haus Cider Company in Eatonville, the food menu and outdoor spaces are worth their own trip.

12/07/2021 By Allison Williams

Planner

Things to Do in Washington State in December

From ice skating in Olympia to a Christmas fair in Puyallup, all the best events near Seattle this December

12/03/2021 By Allison Williams

Skip the Snow with These 6 Winter Hikes

Leave your snowshoes at home with hikes at Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail, the Coast Range’s Kentucky Falls, the Gorge’s Cape Horn, and more.

By Karly Quadros
Published 01/22/2022

Why Not Pick Up a Hobby on Your Next Weekend Away in Oregon?

Forge a knife in Falls City, milk a cow in Sandy, learn archery in Ashland, and more skills you can learn from Oregon's many Airbnb Experiences.

By Gabriel Granillo [email protected]
Published 01/19/2022

Visit These 10 Oregon Oddities and Roadside Attractions

From the Peter Iredale wreckage near Fort Stevens to the Shoe Tree near Mitchell, seek these out on your next road trip—or just the next time you're in downtown Portland.

By Margaret Seiler [email protected]
Published 01/13/2022

Govy-to-Portland Traffic Jams Cause Ski Resorts to Shift Strategy

There were hours-long commutes to the mountain and packed lots this weekend at Timberline, Mt Hood Meadows, and more.

By Gabriel Granillo [email protected]
Published 01/11/2022

Weekend Itinerary: What to Do in McMinnville

Stay inside a dreamy old-world cottage, beat the high score at Joysticks, and meet the locals at Blue Moon.

By Gabriel Granillo [email protected]
Published 01/07/2022

Hike of the Month: Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey Trails

This leisurely Carlton hike brings solitude and quietness.

By Gabriel Granillo [email protected]
Published 01/06/2022

Lumberjacked up

How to Cut Down a Christmas Tree in the Woods

Want a tree straight from the forest? Buy a permit, grab a saw, and head to the woods.

11/23/2021 By Allison Williams

Winter Report

Northwest Travel Winter 2021–22: Where to Go, What to Know

From Walla Walla to Port Townsend, the PNW offers an abundance of winter and holiday getaways within easy driving distance of Seattle.

11/23/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Guide to Skiing in Washington State

Ready to drop into deep Pacific Northwest powder? First you'll want a ski pass—and we have the lowdown on all the options.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Summit at Snoqualmie Is Seattle's Closest Ski Spot

Seattle’s hometown hill packs plenty of room for skiers and snowboarders into an easy drive from the city.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Stevens Pass Ski Area Undergoes Epic Change This Year

The ski mountain within easy driving distance of Seattle offered its Epic Passes at a tempting discount this year.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Ikon Pass Goes Big at Crystal Mountain

The biggest ski resort in Washington state has raised their prices and started charging for parking. But can they live up to the extra expense?

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Indy Pass Is Basically a Skier’s Smorgasbord

A new budget ski pass helps support smaller, independent resorts like White Pass near Yakima and Mission Ridge in Wenatchee.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Muddy Boots

Shoulder Season Hikes for National Take a Hike Day

From short day hikes to longer-haul backpacking opportunities, here are the best fall hikes near Seattle.

11/17/2021 By Allison Williams, Craig Romano, and Seattle Met Staff

Turkey Travel

Destination Thanksgiving Dinners Within Two Hours of Seattle

Dirty dishes are for suckers. Head to Hood Canal, the east side of the Cascades, or the rocky shores of north Puget Sound.

11/12/2021 By Allison Williams

GIFT GUIDE 2021

20 Gifts for the PNW Outdoor Fanatic in All of Us

From REI hiking boots to locally made ski gloves to Outdoor Research puffer coats, here are holiday gifts for campers, climbers, and hikers.

11/10/2021 By Zoe Sayler